Gutter Cleaning Attachment for Leaf Blowers

ABSTRACT

Described is a gutter cleaning attachment for a leaf blower. The gutter cleaning attachment can be removably attached to a leaf blower in order to provide an elongated tubular cleaning structure that allows a user to direct air blown by the leaf blower into a rain gutter, while standing on the ground below the rain gutter. The gutter cleaning attachment includes a plurality of tubular segments that can be removably secured together in series in order to reach the rain gutter. A first tubular segment is sized so as to be attached to a conventional leaf blower. A gutter cleaning head is disposed on a tubular segment and includes an accordion-like mid-section that can be extended, compressed, and bent as desired. In operation, a user can bend the cleaning head into a U-shape or hook shape in order to direct air downward and into the rain gutter.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/894,192 filed on Oct. 22, 2013, entitled “Right-Way Gutter Cleaner.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a rain gutter cleaning device. More specifically, the present invention describes a rain gutter cleaning attachment for a leaf blower that allows a user to stand on the ground below a rain gutter and remove debris from the rain gutter by directing air blown from the leaf blower into the rain gutter. The device includes an elongated tubular structure with a cleaning head that can be adjustably configured into a U-shape or a hook shape for cleaning the rain gutters.

Rain gutters are commonly disposed on the edges of the roofs of homes, businesses, and other buildings. The rain gutters help to collect the rainwater and direct the water away from the building. In this way, rainwater is directed away from the building's foundation to prevent damage to the same. Without rain gutters, rainwater may result in leaks or flooding of basements and erosion of land around the house. Further, rain gutters may be used to collect rainwater for various other purposes.

However, rain gutters often become clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris that falls into the gutters or washes into the gutters from the roof. Build-up of such debris prevents the rain gutters from functioning properly, and prevents the gutters from directing rainwater away from the foundation of the building. Rainwater may overflow from the gutters, causing damage to the foundation of the building. Clogged gutters may bend and deform, and may also cause damage to the roof to which they are attached. Further, build-up of stagnant water in the rain gutters may serve as a breeding ground for mosquitos and other insects.

As a result, the gutters must be cleaned regularly to remove debris so that the gutters may function properly. However, cleaning gutters can be a time consuming and difficult process. To clean the gutters, people often use a ladder to reach the rain gutters disposed on the roof of the building, and then remove the debris by hand, using a hand tool, or using a hose. The user must periodically move the ladder to different locations to clean the various portions of the gutter. Further, by standing atop a ladder to clean the gutters, the person is exposed to a risk of falling off of the ladder. Thus, a device that allows users to easily clean rain gutters without having to use a ladder is desired.

The present invention provides a rain gutter cleaning attachment for a leaf blower that allows a user to clean a rain gutter from ground-level, without the need for a ladder. The present invention includes a plurality of tubular segments adapted to engage with one another to form an elongated, gutter cleaning attachment. A first tubular segment has a first end adapted to engage with a leaf blower, and a second end adapted to receive a tubular extension segment. One or more extension segments may be connected in series in order to extend the length of the gutter cleaning attachment. A gutter cleaning head is adapted to secure to an extension segment and comprises an accordion-like mid-section that can be extended, compressed, and bent into a desired configuration. Preferably, the mid-section is bent so as to form a U-shape or a hook shape so that the outlet of the gutter cleaning head is directed downward so as to be used to direct the air from the leaf blower into the rain gutter. In this way, a user may safely and efficiently remove debris from a rain gutter without the use of a ladder.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to rain gutter cleaning devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to rain gutter cleaning tools for use with power blowers or vacuum cleaning devices. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2004/0143931 to Dennis discloses a gutter cleaning system for use with a power blower. The gutter cleaning system comprises an adapter coupling for connection to an output orifice on a power blower, which is connected to a straight extension and a gooseneck extension having a nozzle thereon. Air is adapted to flow through the system and out of the nozzle so as to remove debris from a gutter. Thus, Dennis discloses a rigid gooseneck extension having a nozzle thereon, and fails to disclose a gutter cleaning system having a gutter cleaning head with a flexible middle section that allows the gutter cleaning head to be arranged in a variety of configurations as desired by the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,560 to Murphy discloses a gutter cleaning apparatus for cleaning debris from elevated rain gutters. The apparatus includes an elongated, rigid tube with an air nozzle on an end thereof. The air nozzle is connected to an air blower via a flexible air hose. In this way, a user can clean a rain gutter by moving the elongated rigid tube in order to move the air nozzle thereon. Thus, Murphy fails to disclose a device comprising a plurality of connectable tubular sections and a flexible cleaning head removably disposed on an end thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,549,191 to Seasholtz et al. discloses a water jet vacuum blowing apparatus for cleaning gutters. The device includes a curved end attachment member that can be connected to an elongated tube that allows a user to reach an elevated rain gutter. A water nozzle is mounted to the curved end attachment member either internally or externally. In this way, a user can use the water to loosen debris and can use the air blower to remove the debris from the rain gutter. The curved end attachment member is substantially rigid and does not include a flexible middle section, and thus the Seasholtz device lacks versatility and cannot be positioned in various configurations.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,402,106 to Mattson discloses a rain gutter cleaning attachment for a power blower. The attachment includes an elongated tube having a curved end portion so as to direct air downward and into a rain gutter. The curved end portion includes an adjustable elbow arrangement that allows a user to tilt the head to the right or to the left so that the user can clean in either direction. Thus, while Mattson disclose a cleaning attachment with an adjustable end portion, the end portion is not flexible and can only be oriented so as to point to the left or to the right.

U.S. Design Patent Number D460,842 to Sainsbury discloses the ornamental design for a leaf blower comprising an elongated, straight tubular section, and a curved head section that angles approximately 180 degrees. Thus, Sainsbury does not disclose a gutter cleaning attachment device comprising a flexible gutter cleaning head that can be positioned in a variety of configurations.

Several devices in the prior art relate to gutter cleaning attachments for use with vacuum cleaning devices. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,519,809 to Gutry discloses a gutter cleaner having a head and a handle. The head is curved and has a nozzle on an end thereof through which air can flow. The lower end of the handle is adapted to attach to a vacuum source and the handle includes a textured gripping surface thereon. Thus, the Gutry device is adapted to suck debris from the gutter and into a vacuum cleaning device. The Gutry device is not adapted for use with a power blower and does not include a flexible curved end piece.

Similar to Gutry, U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,098 to Davis discloses a device for cleaning rain gutters for use with a wet/dry vacuum system. The device includes a U-shaped manifold having a hose connection at one end adapted to engage with a flexible hose secured to a wet/dry vacuum. The opposite end of the manifold includes a nozzle attachment connection, wherein a nozzle preferably comprises a frustocone. The central portion of the U-shaped manifold is pivotably secured to a yoke member disposed on a telescoping handle. In this way, the handle can be extended so that the nozzle head can reach high places. Thus, Davis does not disclose a gutter cleaning attachment for use with a power blower, and does not include a plurality of tubular segments that can be connected in series to reach elevated rain gutters.

U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0179598 to Esteban discloses a gutter cleaning device for suctioning debris from a gutter that utilizes a vacuum cleaner. The device includes a tubular conduit, and a second tubular conduit having an open end to be joined to the first tubular conduit and an opposite end that is open and can be placed within a gutter. Thus, Esteban fails to disclose a gutter cleaning system comprising a plurality of tubular sections that can be connected in series and comprising a removable cleaning head thereon.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,209 to Watkins discloses a gutter cleaning system including a canister vacuum cleaner with a tubular wand having a nozzle that can be inserted into a rain gutter. The nozzle includes an optical viewing system that allows the user to see the rain gutter while cleaning the same. Thus, Watkins fails to disclose a gutter cleaning device that can be used with a power blower and that includes a plurality of tubular sections than can be connected in series. Further, Watkins does not disclose a device having a flexible cleaning head or nozzle.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,360 to Diederiks, Jr. et al discloses a pneumatic cleaning device attachment with an elongated and rigid tubular section connected to a flexible tubular section. A tubular cover member is disposed about the flexible tubular section and can be used to secure the flexible section in a straight configuration, or can be retracted to allow the flexible tubular section to be exposed. Thus, Diederiks, Jr. fails to disclose a gutter cleaning system having a plurality of interconnectable tubular sections.

Finally, foreign patent document CA2588565 to Seasholtz discloses a water jet-assisted blowing and vacuum apparatus for cleaning gutters having an elongated air conduit and a pressurized water nozzle mounted thereon. While Seasholtz discloses a gutter cleaning system, Seasholtz fails to disclose a gutter cleaning system having interconnectable tubular segments and a flexible cleaning head.

These device have a variety of drawbacks. Several devices in the prior art include rigid, elongated tubular members and a rigid, curved end section. The elongated tubular members are not adjustable in length and thus may not be adjusted to suit rain gutters disposed at various heights. Further, the rigid curved end section does not allow a user to configure the cleaning head in a desired orientation. Thus, the prior art devices lack versatility and the shape of the cleaning head cannot be adjusted as desired. Other devices include cleaning attachments for vacuum cleaning devices rather than power blowers. Such devices may not have sufficient suction to draw debris from the rain gutter, the tubes may become clogged with debris, and some debris may be too large to draw into the cleaning head.

In light of the devices disclosed in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing rain gutter cleaning devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of gutter cleaning devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new gutter cleaning device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when cleaning rain gutters without the use of a ladder.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved gutter cleaning device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a gutter cleaning attachment that can be removably secured to a leaf blower to allow a user to remove debris from a rain gutter.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gutter cleaning device for use with a leaf blower that allows a user to clean a rain gutter while standing on the ground, and without the use of a ladder.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a gutter cleaning device comprising a plurality of tubular segments that allows a user to adjust the device to the length necessary to reach a rain gutter.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a gutter cleaning device comprising a cleaning head that can be positioned in various configurations as desired by the user, such as a U-shape or a hook shape for directing forced air into a rain gutter.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gutter cleaning device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the gutter cleaning attachment of the present invention as installed on a leaf blower.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a plurality of tubular segments of the present invention as positioned for assembly.

FIG. 3A shows a close-up view of the gutter cleaning head of the present invention in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 3B shows a close-up view of the gutter cleaning head of the present invention in an extended configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the gutter cleaning attachment of the present invention as installed on a leaf blower and as used by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the gutter cleaning attachment. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for cleaning debris from rain gutters. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the gutter cleaning attachment of the present invention as installed on a leaf blower. The gutter cleaning attachment 11 of the present invention comprises a plurality of tubular segments that can be connected to a leaf blower 20 and connected together in series to provide an elongated cleaning attachment. Each tubular segment comprises a hollow interior and is open at each end. Further, each tubular segment is substantially linear and the tubular segments are preferably cylindrical in shape. The tubular segments are composed of a rigid, durable material, such as a hard plastic. The tubular segments are preferably composed of a material that is lightweight such that the gutter cleaning attachment can be easily held and maneuvered by a user.

A first tubular segment 12 comprises a first end that can be removably engaged with the arm 21 of a conventional leaf blower 20. The first tubular segment is secured to the leaf blower arm 21. The first tubular segment 12 can be secured to the leaf blower arm 21 by means of an interference fit or a press fit, by means of a threaded connection therewith, or by means of a fastener, such as a clip disposed thereon. The second end of the first tubular segment 12 is preferably relatively narrow and comprises a smaller cross section than the first end.

A plurality of extension segments 13, 14 are also provided that can be connected end-to-end. The extension segments can be secured together by press fitting, or by a threaded connection. Alternatively, the extension segments can be secured together using a fastener 25, such as a clip disposed on an exterior surface of an end of each extension segment. A user can select the desired number of extension segments 13, 14 needed to allow the gutter cleaning attachment 11 to reach an elevated rain gutter disposed on the roof of a building. In the illustrated embodiment, two extension segments 13, 14 are used, however, any number of extension segments can be fitted together.

A gutter cleaning head 15 is disposed on the end of an extension segment 14 and is used to allow air supplied by the leaf blower 20 to exit the gutter cleaning attachment 11. The gutter cleaning head 15 is tubular and allows air to flow therethrough. The gutter cleaning head 15 comprises a flexible mid-section that allows a user to position the gutter cleaning head 15 in any number of configurations as required to direct the air towards a rain gutter.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of a plurality of tubular segments of the present invention as positioned for assembly. The arm 21 of the leaf blower comprises an open end through which air can blow. A first end 16 of a first tubular segment 12 can be secured to the open end of the arm 21 of the leaf blower. The first end 16 is sized so as to engage with the arm 21 of the leaf blower so that it may be secured thereto via an interference fit or press fit. The first tubular segment 12 preferably tapers from the first end 16 towards the second end 17, such that the second end 17 comprises a smaller cross section. The second end 17 is adapted to insert into a first end 18 of an extension segment 13. The second end 17 of the first tubular segment 12 can be fitted within the first end 18 of the extension segment 13. In this way, the first tubular segment 12 and the extension segment 13 are in fluid communication with one another such that air fed through the first tubular segment 12 flows through the extension segment 13.

A user can continue connecting extension segments in this fashion in order to create an elongated tubular member. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a second extension segment 14 is positioned such that the first end 23 thereof can be engaged with the second end 19 of the first extension segment 13. Additional extension segments can be attached to one another until the gutter cleaning attachment 11 is of suitable length to reach an elevated rain gutter.

The gutter cleaning head 15 includes a first end that can be removably secured to the second end 24 of the extension segment 14. The gutter cleaning head 15 can be secured to any extension segment as each extension segment is identical in structure. The second end of the gutter cleaning head 15 allows air to exit therefrom. Preferably, the second end of the gutter cleaning head 15 comprises a relatively narrow cross section, such that the air exits the cleaning head 15 at a high velocity.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there are shown close-up views of the gutter cleaning head of the present invention in a collapsed and extended configuration, respectively. The gutter cleaning head 15 comprises a first end 26 adapted to receive a second end of an extension segment 14 therein. The gutter cleaning head 15 comprises a hollow interior to allow air to flow therethrough, and the gutter cleaning head 15 is substantially cylindrical.

The gutter cleaning head 15 comprises a flexible mid-section 27 having an accordion-like construction. This allows the cleaning head 15 to be condensed into a collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 3A, or extended into an extended configuration as shown in FIG. 3B. The second end 29 of the cleaning head 15 comprises a rigid section 28. The rigid section 28 may be substantially cylindrical, or may be tapered towards the second end 29.

Further, the mid-section 27 can be bent so that the gutter cleaning head 15 has a curved or bent shape. Preferably, the gutter cleaning head 15 is configured into a U-shaped or a hook shape. The mid-section 27 is configured so that the gutter cleaning head 15 stays in a desired shape without a locking mechanism. The U-shaped configuration allows a user to direct air downward and into a rain gutter. This allows a user to stand on the ground below the rain gutter, and direct air through the gutter cleaning attachment 11 and into an elevated rain gutter.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of the gutter cleaning attachment of the present invention as installed on a leaf blower and as used by a user. In operation, a user can secure the gutter cleaning attachment to the leaf blower arm 21 of a conventional leaf blower 20. The gutter cleaning attachment includes a plurality of extension segments 13, 14 connected end-to-end with the first tubular segment 12 in order to provide the length necessary to reach an elevated rain gutter 30. The cleaning head 15 can be positioned in a hook shape so that the forced air is directed downward and into the rain gutter 30. In this way, the gutter cleaning attachment 11 allows a user to easily dislodge debris 31 from a rain gutter 30 without exerting himself or herself, and without needing to use a ladder. The user can simply walk on the ground along the rain gutter 30 in order to dislodge debris 31 therein.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A gutter cleaning attachment for use with a leaf blower, comprising: a first tubular segment having a hollow interior, wherein said first tubular segment is adapted to be secured to a leaf blower; one or more tubular extension segments each having a hollow interior, wherein said one or more tubular extension segments are adapted to be removably attached end-to-end to one another and to said first tubular segment so as to form an elongated tubular member; a gutter cleaning head that is tubular and comprises a first end that is removably securable to one of said extension segments, a flexible mid-section that is adapted to allow said gutter cleaning head to be bent into a hook shape, and a second end adapted to allow air to flow therethrough.
 2. The gutter cleaning attachment of claim 1, wherein said first tubular segment is substantially cylindrical.
 3. The gutter cleaning attachment of claim 1, wherein said first tubular segment comprises a first end adapted to be secured to a leaf blower and a second end having a smaller cross section than said first end.
 4. The gutter cleaning attachment of claim 1, wherein said one or more tubular extension segments are substantially cylindrical.
 5. The gutter cleaning attachment of claim 1, wherein said one or more extension segments are removably secured to one another via a press fit.
 6. The gutter cleaning attachment of claim 1, wherein said one or more extension segments are removably secured to one another via a threaded engagement.
 7. The gutter cleaning attachment of claim 1, wherein said one or more extension segments are removably secured to one another via a fastener disposed on an exterior surface of said one or more extension segments near an end of said one or more extension segments.
 8. The gutter cleaning attachment of claim 1, wherein said mid-section of said gutter cleaning head comprises an accordion-like structure that is adapted to be extended or compressed.
 9. The gutter cleaning attachment of claim 1, wherein said gutter cleaning head tapers towards said second end thereof, such that said second end comprises a smaller cross section than said first end. 